Out to Druridge Bay today with most interest at Cresswell Pond with single Spoonbill, Little Egret and Avocet. Looks like most of the Avocet have deserted after the suspected raid by a fox on the newly hatched young. On to Druridge Pools with 5 Black-tailed Godwits and the two male Mandarin still showing well from the south-facing hide. East Chevington was quiet with none of the Little Gulls remaining (19 yesterday). Water level still far too high for much activity. Over the last week I have been leading the Naturetrek tour around Northumberland. Started on 2nd June picking up clients from Newcastle with stops on way to Belford at Cresswell Pond & Druridge Pools. The four Avocet young were out and just managing to stay upright in the wind with 3 Little Gulls close to hide. Druridge had the two Mandarins as well as a good selection of other species. 3rd June saw us on Holy Island which was incredibly quiet as strong westerlies. Afternoon stops also made at Budle Bay, Bamburgh & a pleasant walk at Spindlestone for woodland and riverine birds. 4th June was much better with an excellent morning at Newton with the tern colony at Long Nanny in full swing. Only a few Little Terns seen though. Also walked down to Newton scrape with a fine array of birds with Yellow Wagtail designated the highlight. Afternoon on boat trip around Coquet island with views of a few Roseate terns but most of colony fishing elsewhere. Late afternoon at East Chevington with a surprise Mediterranean Gull on the islands. 5th June was the highlight for many people with the all day trip to Farne Islands. Unable to land on Staple Island though due to swell so back to Seahouses and then more time spent on Inner Farne in afternoon. Everyone suitably impressed and entranced as always with the Puffins and Arctic Terns.Two Roseate Terns showing very well by jetty. 6th June was a rather windy day in the Harthope Valley. 45mph winds in early June seemed distinctly odd and prevented us seeing many of the speciality species. However one forgets how special this valley is and most people happy with the scenery. Final day on the 7th had us at East Chevington again with a real purple spell with the Marsh Harrier pair showing well plus two Spoonbill found on the North Pool and a close Cuckoo on the eastern edge. Highlight though was the Red Kite which came in from the north end and moved down western edge before lost to view over south Pool. A fine end. TRD
